Mexico City: Day of the Dead

Complete Your Checklist Before heading to the airport, complete the tasks below and check them off in your Online Account Checklist. If you have any questions, give us a call at 617-619-1411. We’re available 24/7 to make sure you have the Best. Trip. Ever.

Important Documents

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days  past the end of your travels     
  Visa: U.S. and Canadian citizens can enter Mexico without a visa for tourism purposes and stay for up to 90 days. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.       
• Travel Insurance: While travel insurance is not required, we strongly encourage all travelers to obtain coverage before departure. Check out cost-effective Travel Protection, designed to meet the needs of EF travelers, here.
• Health Insurance: You will need to carry your primary insurance card with you while overseas. This is a critical item in the event of a medical emergency.

Tour Preparation

• Talk with your doctor: It is highly recommended that you talk with your doctor about your travel plans. If you are taking any medications, be certain to bring enough to last throughout your trip.
• Traveling with allergies? Let your Trip Consultant and Tour Director know of any dietary restrictions/allergies and we will do what we can to accommodate for any included meals.
• Request a roommate: Double-check with us and your Tour Director that they have your rooming status on file. We will assign a roommate for you if you do not submit a specific request.
• Get an international data plan: We recommend getting an international data plan for your mobile device so you can stay connected while on the road. Please talk with your phone provider for your best options.
  • Wi-Fi will be in some hotels, restaurants, and bars, though charges may apply and it may be slower than in the U.S.
  • Wi-Fi is not available on the bus.
• Get the EF Ultimate Break app: Your trip's group will be able to connect on the app before you meet IRL. Don't miss out! Meet other travelers, get updates from your Tour Director, see flights and accommodations, and more. If you're having trouble, give us a call at 617-619-1411.

Flight Preparation
Check your online account 30 days prior to departure for your flight itinerary and confirmation number. Using your 6-digit reservation code, you can reserve your seat (this is typically available 30 days to 24 hours before departure) and check in to your flight 24 hours prior to departure. If you prefer to check in at the airport, that’s okay, too. Regardless, plan to arrive 2.5 – 3 hours before departure.

All flight information is online (e-ticket) via your account and the airline’s website. You will not receive a physical paper ticket from us.

• If your flight is canceled or delayed: Don’t worry! We design the first day of tour as an arrival day in case of flight delays or cancelations. Work with the airline to get rebooked on the next available flight, then let your Tour Director know your new arrival time
• If you sleep in and miss your flight: You should still talk to the airline and see if they can get you on the next available option. Tears may help in this case.

Arriving in Mexico City Welcome to Mexico! Now that you have #landed, you will want to grab your luggage and pass through customs and immigration. Yay! Passport stamps! Your Tour Director will communicate through the EF Ultimate Break app, WhatsApp, or email about where to meet them at the airport. This is an important reason to make sure you have the EF Ultimate Break app!

If you have booked your own flight arrangements or have extended your travels before the tour dates, you will need to make your own way to the first hotel. Accommodation details will be available in your online account 30 days prior to departure.

Staying Healthy While Traveling Fact: Travel is exhilarating. And FOMO is real. So, we understand why you don’t want to miss a second of the action. But there’s a difference between maximizing your time and spreading yourself too thin. Here are some tips to stay healthy and happy on tour:

• Sleep: Flying across the globe, changing time zones, and being constantly on the move can take a toll on your body. Make sure you get the rest your body needs. If that means missing a night out for some well-earned rest, or having a little afternoon siesta, so be it. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Stay hydrated: It’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Drink bottled water only; avoid tap water.
• Take time for yourself: Group travel is an amazing experience, and there’s nothing quite like exploring a foreign country with a group of like-minded people. That said, it’s okay to take time for yourself to relax and reflect on your experience. Here are a couple mindfulness apps you can take with you on the road:
  • MindShift: Focused on anxiety management, this app has an array of cognitive behavior therapy features including journaling, goal-setting, calming audio, and a community forum.
  • Ten Percent Happier: Filled with videos and guided meditations intended to help with everything ranging from sleep to stress reduction.

Safety while Abroad With a global presence of more than 46,000 people in over 115 countries and regions, we’re fully committed to your safety. From your first flight all the way through to your farewell dinner, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Tour Director or your Trip Consultant if you need a helping hand. Keep these extra tips in mind so you can #travelsmart: 

• Keep your bag/purse in front of you and your phone zipped inside when you’re not using it. Leave your laptop at home, store valuables at the hotel in locked luggage or the safe deposit box. Refrain from carrying large sums of money or wearing valuable jewelry. 
• Use the buddy system. Stay in groups and watch out for each other, especially at night—no one gets left behind! 
• Be smart about alcohol consumption. Watch your drinks and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know. Don’t leave the bar alone with someone you just met.
• Before you go out, grab a business card at your hotel so that you always have the address handy for getting back later. 
• At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like Uber, and always have cash on hand. 
• Save our 24/7 number in your phone: +1–617–619–1411

Budgeting We recommend budgeting $50-$60 per day for meals, gratuities, shopping, and free time activities. But you know your spending habits best. If you’re looking to #treatyourself to the max, you may want to budget a little more.

Managing Money
The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso, and the official currency of Belize is the Belizean dollar. While the US Dollar is widely accepted, the exchange may not be as good and small bills are a must.

• ATMs are available to get money while, but make sure to talk with your bank to let them know where and when you are traveling and to go over any international transaction fees.
• Some restaurants and stores accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard), but note that cash is often preferred.
• Do you have a credit card that offers zero international transaction fees? If so, bring that bad boy to save some money for purchases abroad.

Tipping When it comes to tipping, it’s standard to leave 10-15% tip in restaurants, and no tip for taxis. It is also customary to tip for services provided, we recommend the following for this tour:

• We recommend tipping your Tour Director $10-$12 per day at the end of the trip
• Local Guides: $2-$3
• Bus Driver: $2-$3 per day

For weight and size restrictions please refer to your airline’s website. Flight information will be available 30 days prior to departure in your online account. Below you'll find some critical packing information and suggestions.

• Please note, your airline ticket does not include a checked bag.
• The most important piece of advice we can give you: Pack light! You may need to carry your suitcase where buses and elevators cannot, so make sure you are comfortable carrying everything you bring yourself.
  • You've probably heard the hacks about rolling clothes and using packing cubes a million times, but there's a reason for that! It really does help.
  • If you choose to pack all of your toiletries, don't bring your regular-sized bottles from home. Offload some of that into travel-sized containers.
  • Choose your luggage wisely. We recommend a roller carry-on bag and a backpack as your personal item.
  • Choose shoes carefully as well. They're some of the bulkiest items you can pack, so we recommend a good pair of walking shoes and a pair of climate-appropriate shoes (boots or sandals depending on the destination and time of year). We also recommend a pair of closed-toe water shoes if your itinerary has any water activities.
  • Make a packing list of must-haves and stick to it. If you have a little extra space in your bags once all your must-haves are packed, then consider adding in a few nice extras.
• Unfortunately, luggage can get lost. It’s a painful situation no matter what, but here are tips to ease some of the hassle:
  • DO NOT put important medications in a checked bag. If your luggage is lost, this could become a dangerous issue.
  • Even if you put most of your clothes in a checked bag, put a couple outfits in your carry-on along with your toiletries.
  • If you are forced to check you carry-on at the gate, be sure to remove essentials and valuables before handing it over.
• Carefully review TSA restrictions when packing. There are a number of items not allowed in your carry-on and liquids have certain restrictions.
• Check out the local weather; we haven't figured out how to control the weather yet so best to be prepared and plan accordingly.
• Don't forget: Outlets overseas can differ from the US, so be sure to pack the right power adapters/converters!

It’s fun and helpful to try your hand at the local language, Spanish! Try out some of these popular words and phrases:

• Hello: Hola
• How are you? ¿Cómo estás?
• Goodbye: Adiós
• Thank you: Gracias
• Please: Por favor
• How much does this cost? Cuánto cuesta?
• Where is the...?: Dónde está...
  • bathroom: el baño
  • bus stop: la parada de autobús
  • pharmacy: la farmacia

As the largest city in North America, Mexico City is not only bustling, but also a lively and welcoming introduction to the country's rich culture.

• Locals tend to be warm and friendly; this also means they may have less of a sense of personal space and may talk about personal issues more freely than you're used to.
• Greeting are considered important. Be sure to greet people individually, as opposed to a whole room at once.
• Fatalism, the idea that all events in life are preordained and inevitable, is fairly common.
• Time is very flexible in Mexico, meaning things may not run super efficiently. It's best to be patient and make the most of it.
• A strong sense of national pride is apparent. Government may be divisive, but people are usually quite enthusiastic when talking to you about their cities and the culture.
• While storefronts have fixed prices, haggling is common in the markets. But try not to negotiate too aggressively, the few extra pesos will mean more to them than to you.
• Not a morning person? Though it can be wise to visit major attractions right when they open to avoid crowds, you'll notice that a lot of other places only start getting into full swing around midday.

When the veil between the living and the dead is at it's thinnest, Mexico celebrates Day of the Dead. Offerings to ancestors are thoughtfully curated on altars in homes and cemeteries across the country to welcome the deceased back to earth.

• While Day of the Dead of the Dead is more widely recognized on November 2nd, it's also celebrated on November 1st. November 1st is Día de Los Inocentes, or Día de Los Angelitos, and is specific to children that have passed away.
• Yes, Day of the Dead does share some similarities with Halloween, but keep in mind that these are still very different holidays and people may take offense to comparisons being made.
• As with any great holiday, there are customary treats. The iconic sugar skulls make for great decorations, but aren't often consumed. Instead, be on the lookout for goodies like pan de muerto and calabaza en tacha.
• Though visiting a cemetery during Day of the Dead is a memorable experience, be considerate when taking photos. Ofrendas may be beautiful, but they're tributes, not backdrops.

In recent years, Mexico City has exploded onto the global food scene. But while you may find things like burritos, nachos, queso, taco salads, or chimichangas (and they may even be tasty), they're actually more of an American invention. So don't be surprised if they're not common or they're different from what you're used to. See below for a handful of true Mexican delicacies to sample.

• Tacos al Pastor: Pork tacos topped with onions, cilantro, and pineapple. Though gaining popularity elsewhere, these tacos are about as traditionally Mexican as you can get.
• Birria: Mutton/goat stew topped with white onion and cilantro that can also be found in taco form.
• Chilaquiles: Fried corn tortillas topped with red or green salsa, cheese, onion, and cilantro. Similar to nachos, but for breakfast. You usually can even add a fried egg on top.
• Elote: Grilled or steamed ears of corn coated in mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder and cotija or queso fresco. Peak Mexican street food.
• Chiles en Nogada: Poblano stuffed with a mixture of meat, fruit, and spices. Topped with a walnut cream sauce and pomegranate seeds, bringing together all the colors of the Mexican flag.
• Aguachile: A variation of ceviche that's marinated in "chile water", meaning it can pack quite a punch in spice.
• Mezcal: This parent of tequila is typically characterized by its smokier notes.

If you did not purchase EF Ultimate Break Optional Excursions before the trip began, you can log in to your Online Account and do so on tour. You can also talk to your Tour Director on tour and they can help you get enrolled. If you’d like to plan something else during your free time, connect with your Tour Director before doing so; they sometimes arrange extra activities for the group during free time. 

Prices for these optional excursions will increase on tour, so please check your online account for available add-ons.